Từ ngày 21/08/2025, những ứng viên nộp hồ sơ immigrate to Canada diện Express Entry bắt buộc phải thực hiện khám sức khỏe nhập cư (Immigration Medical Exam – IME) trước (upfront medical exam) như một phần trong bộ hồ sơ đầy đủ để xin thường trú nhân Canada (PR).

Một số trường hợp nhất định có thể được miễn, nhưng phần lớn ứng viên đều cần thực hiện. Bài viết này sẽ giải đáp 10 câu hỏi thường gặp nhất về IME cho ứng viên Express Entry.

1. When is the IME health examination exempt?

You may be exempt if you meet three conditions:

• Currently living in Canada.
• Completed an IME within the last 5 years.
• Previous IME results indicate that you pose little or no risk to public health and public safety.

2. If I have a medical condition, will my PR application be rejected?

Không phải tất cả bệnh lý đều dẫn đến từ chối. IRCC (Bộ Di trú, Tị nạn và Quốc tịch Canada) chỉ từ chối nếu:

• Your illness poses a risk to public health or safety; or
• Treatment/monitoring of the disease may place an “excessive demand” on the Canadian health-care system.

Excessive Demand Cost Threshold in 2025:

• 135,810 CAD / 5 years (equivalent to 27,162 CAD per year).

If the expected cost of treatment exceeds this threshold, the application may be affected. However, multiple illnesses do not mean that the application will be rejected immediately.

3. Who is allowed to perform IME examination? Can family doctors do it?

No. Only physicians on the IRCC-recognized Panel Physician list are allowed to perform IMEs.

You can look up a list of designated doctors on the IRCC website.

4. How much does an IME health check cost?

Costs vary by country, clinic, and tests involved. In Canada, typical fees are:

• Children (0 – 14 years old): about 140 – 150 CAD.
• Adults (15 – 74 years old): about 170 – 180 CAD.

Applicants must pay all costs themselves, including:

• Doctor's fee.
• X-rays, blood tests, urine tests.
• Specialist consultation (if required).
• Vaccination costs (if any).

5. What documents do I need to bring when going for a medical examination?

Candidates should bring:

• Passport or other government-issued photo identification.
• Medical examination referral (IMM 1017E/IMM 1020E) if available.
• 4 ID photos (if the clinic does not use the eMedical system).
• Prescription glasses / contact lenses (if used).
• Previous medical records, current prescriptions.
• Vaccination book (recommended, especially for COVID-19).

6. What does an IME examination include?

Có hai loại khám: Khám chuẩn (Standard) và Khám rút gọn (Streamlined).

Examination content usually includes:

• Ask about medical history: medical history, current medications.
• Clinical examination: measure height, weight, vision, hearing, heart and lungs, abdomen, skin, and limb movement.
• Additional testing: X-ray, blood, urine, or specialist examination if needed.
• Vaccines: can be given at the clinic (voluntary).

Candidates have the right to request a chaperone during the examination.

7. Examination time and result processing

• Examination time: 30 minutes – several hours, depending on the number of patients and the number of tests needed.
• Time to send results: doctors usually upload to the eMedical system within 10 days.
• IRCC will review the results along with the progress of the PR application.

8. Will I receive a copy of my medical examination results?

• The doctor will send the results directly to IRCC, you can ask the clinic for a copy.
• IRCC will only contact you if additional information is needed or there is a problem.
• Candidates should regularly check the status of their application in the PR portal.

9. How to submit IME certificate to PR application?

After the examination, your doctor will provide you with:

• Information printout sheet or
• Form IMM 1017B Upfront Medical Report.

You need to upload this document when submitting your PR application online.

10. How long are IME results valid?

Immigration medical examination results are valid for 12 months from the date of examination.

If the results expire before IRCC makes a decision, you may be asked to re-examine.

Conclusion

The IME medical examination is a mandatory and important step in the process of applying for Canadian permanent residence under the Express Entry program. Preparing all documents, being transparent about your medical history and following the instructions from your panel doctor will help your application be processed more quickly and smoothly.